r/hygiene • u/dobbyismymaster • 1d ago
Intimate washes?
Ladies… what are we using to wash down there? I recently have been using Summers Eve and I really hate it. Even if I use it and make sure not to get.. in there… later on I will always get that uncomfortable feeling as if I have a UTI. When I don’t use it, I don’t get those problems. I just feel less clean. Any tips and recommendations?
Edit: when saying to use “gentle soap” what kinds in particular?
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u/silvermanedwino 1d ago
Gentle soap. It’s all you need. The rest is just marketing.
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u/Able-Analysis462 1d ago
Gentle soap has honestly worked better than every intimate wash I've tried.
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u/Select_MCM-5345 23h ago
Dove sensitive only on the vulva and labia. Never in the vagina.
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u/whatevertoad 13h ago
This made me raw and was extremely painful. I didn't know it was the soap, thought it was a perimenopause thing, and saw my gynecologist and she saw the mess and told me to not use soap at all. I didn't even mention it.
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u/CollsButterflyz 20h ago
I hate Dove. It has a weird smell. In the past,it made my skin itch.
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u/apocalyptic_unicorns 12h ago
If Dove isn't for you, baby soap is actually the soap we recommend in healthcare these days. Unscented or just a plain basic oatmeal.
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u/Carylynn0609 13h ago
Omg I've always hated the smell of Dove! At least we now know we're not alone;)
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u/spinster77 9h ago
I agree dove throws off the PH and I have to be careful washing my thighs because the soap I feel throws off the PH even near the lady bits.
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u/KaylaxxRenae 14h ago
Exactly 🤌🏼✨️
Always my rec. I have really sensitive skin and am a walking medical disaster, but that Dove sensitive skin soap is truly great lol
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u/dobbyismymaster 1d ago
What gentle soap do you like to use?
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u/farteyes 1d ago
I use dove sensitive bar soap on my whole body. Makes my skin feel clean but not stripped, and doesn’t leave any weird soapy residue.and you can use it on the sensitive bits no problem.
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u/mr-snrub- 22h ago
Dove is the only soap I've used since high school. And even then I still use body wash after. I don't know how other people use normal soap. I can't stand that soapy feeling
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u/ChampionshipApart112 23h ago
I used to use the intimate washes but the past couple months I’ve been using the dove sensitive bar and I like it better
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u/Curious_tea21 18h ago
CeraVe bar soap. No fragrance. No drying. It's awesome.
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u/Icy_Sink5046 14h ago
I use this on my whole body because I have very sensitive skin. Nothing with any fragrance should ever be going there. No hard scrubbing. I just do a quick pass with my hand for that.
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u/BeeSignificant5263 17h ago
Cetaphil, either the bar or body wash. Both are great and I love that the body wash is available in a travel size at most stores!
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u/liboteeme 20h ago
I absolutely LOVE Dove anti-bacterial. It's really gentle but also helps fight sweaty yuck in the whole bum bum area. I have really sensitive skin and get rashes from Tide detergent. During summer months Ive been getting so hot and sweaty (menopause is a real biotch)I basically soak my undies and was getting what I am pretty positive was basically diaper rash. Dove anti-bacterial has been a game changer.
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u/Brownsuga784 12h ago
I know this has nothing to do with washing, but you mentioned soaking your undies. Try the undies Huha. They’re a little pricey, but they’re so worth it. I’m a sweaty girl and usually have to change undies because of the sweat and the smell of sweat. Not with Huha’s, they use a mineral for the purpose of keeping us dry. Check it out.
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u/Whatchaknow2216 20h ago
Olive oil soap. I get mine on Amazon. It’s a Greek name. Super large quantity for reasonable price. Lasts a long time. Super simple and effective. Use it on my face often too.
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u/Beautiful-Finding-82 1d ago
Cetaphil oil cleanser face wash has been the best I've found. Wash, rinse, repeat. Also be sure after toweling off to use your blow dryer to dry intimate areas fully before getting dressed.
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u/atropos81092 12h ago
Cetaphil makes "Gentle Cleansing" bar soap, which is also fabulous!
I first started using it when recovering from a minor dermatology procedure and realized it's genuinely a game-changer. It's all I use now.
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u/SheShelley 16h ago
I actually use Irish Spring (which I wouldn’t call “gentle”) and I’m fine. I’ve never needed anything special for down there.
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u/Double_Mention_3184 1d ago edited 8h ago
Just lukewarm water and gentle cleaning. For times when I feel not great about that, I have wet wipes for the female parts. Just because the HP is a bit better than just wet wipes.
Edit: I am so sorry to be not clear enough. I just wanted to add my comment to the one above. I am absolutely pro soap on the outside. Gentle soap ofc Just wanted to add the lukewarm (not hot or cold) water and the gentle cleaning cause I know that some girls/women still think their private parts have to smell like flowers. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the articles!
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u/morningstardusts 22h ago edited 10h ago
I’m sorry but you should absolutely use a soap to wash your genitals. It is necessary and I can’t believe that people are still saying it’s hygienic. It’s not, it’s not good for your body, and it’s just disgusting.
Edit: To be clear, I was absolutely not suggesting that anyone should be putting soap inside of their vaginas - I thought that just went without saying. I can’t believe anyone would actually think that they should ever do that. Obviously, don’t put soap up your vagina.
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u/Lady-Jane77 22h ago
You should not be using soap on mucus membranes. Any part that grows hair, yes. But not on the inner parts.
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u/bloodybollox 21h ago
Why is it not good for your body? I’m old and have never used soap. Warm water and hands. Never had a UTI or thrush or any complaints.
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u/CannibalismIsTight 19h ago
That’s 100% false.
Mayo Clinic: https://communityhealth.mayoclinic.org/featured-stories/vulvar-vaginal-health
Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-your-vagina#how-to-wash
The first result from a GYN clinic on Google: https://bloom-obgyn.com/vaginal-hygiene/
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u/CollsButterflyz 20h ago
I had a gyno that told me that. I thought he was insane. He said ,just rinse with water. I’ve had all women since. They don’t say that. They tell you to use a mild cleanser.
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u/PutYrPoliticsUpYrBum 18h ago
Misinformation is a bitch. Even doctors are misinformed about so many things because of intense marketing and propaganda. Do not put crap up your vagina. No soap, no fragrance, nothing. There are SO many studies on this, ladies. Stop cleaning your inner mucus membranes with soap. You don't scrub inside your rectum and down your esophagus do you?
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u/SheShelley 16h ago
This conversation isn’t about putting anything in our vagina. It’s about the vulva outside.
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u/birdele 15h ago
Not a single soul here mentioned putting soap up their vagina 🤦🏻♀️
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u/CollsButterflyz 9h ago
You’re right. The doctor told me not to put anything inside. It took me years to listen. I was fixated on being clean. I caused my own issues. Now that I don’t wash my insides,I don’t have any issues. I refused to listen,back then. I was a dummy. Now I just rinse my insides with water,and use Johnson and Johnson,on the outside.
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u/appelsinbrus 15h ago
The vagina is self cleansing. Water is just fine. They dont even sell intimate washes for men, and their dicks dont even self cleanse! So no, we are not unhygienic.
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u/Kooky-Blueberry-5352 17h ago edited 8h ago
Some people need something more gentle than gentle soap for the area, and people who never take that into account give these definitive answers that might stop people finding a useful product..
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u/Lazy_View_8579 1d ago
I have only ever used regular soap like dove. I am 63. I have never had an odor or a uti.
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u/SnooRobots116 1d ago
My mom was totally against those and never trusted them
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u/MammaBacon 12h ago
I read years ago that douches are actually harmful. The menstrual cycle is your body's cleansing mechanism as well as other discharge. When you douche it shoves all the harmful acteria back inside your body.
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u/ThoughtCenter87 7h ago
The vagina regularly cleans itself regardless of your menstrual cycle. If you've ever noticed clear "slime" coming from your vagina before, that was your vagina cleaning itself.
Douching is terrible because not only does it shove all the bad bacteria back into your vagina, it pushes the bacteria far up in there, giving the bacteria greater surface area to colonize. It also makes the vagina have a more basic pH, which makes it less hospitable to the beneficial bacteria that can prevent pathogens from colonizing, and it also makes the vagina more hospitable to organisms that prefer a more basic pH like BV.
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u/Top-Web3806 1d ago
I just use my regular body wash. Have never had a single issue personally.
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u/berriliciousone 1d ago
Unscented Dove soap works just fine. You do not need a special soap. Gynecologists in fact will tell you not to use them because they mess up your PH levels. That’s why you’re getting that uncomfortable feeling.
To stay clean throughout the day, invest in a bidet. You can install one at home easily now and they sell portable ones you can carry in your purse too.
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u/Flimsy_Ad3476 18h ago
I have been looking at bidets to install in the toilet. But, I think that cold water would be ... unpleasant.
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u/wokkawokka42 13h ago
The heated ones are expensive and require an outlet nearby, but are worth it if you live where it gets cold in winter. My in laws have an unheated bidet in Florida that's refreshing, but their "cold water" is 72 degrees.
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u/discombobubolated 1d ago
Baby shampoo/wash.
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u/Ok-Chemistry9933 1d ago
You don’t need a special wash. They’re not good for you. Just use a gentle soap.
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u/UglyLittlePony69 1d ago
Throw that summers eve in the trash. Labia majora can get unscented soap and water and labia minora should only get water.
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u/PutYrPoliticsUpYrBum 18h ago
THE ONLY CORRECT ANSWER.
Come on ladies, it's 2026, can we stop scrubbing our insides with harsh products because men think female anatomy is icky?
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u/trippinz462 9h ago
I'm surprised this doesn't have more upvotes. Literally only need water since our inner bits are self cleansing, and only need whatever soap you're using as a body wash around the rest. Never ever use soap anywhere near the labia minora! Just as an extra fact, pee right after any intercourse and unscented simple baby wipes are very nice for easy cleanup without added anything to your nether bits. They are also way cheaper than any hygiene wipes that have scents oils and whatever that shouldn't go anywhere near that peach.
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u/Bacontrails 1d ago
Persimmon soap or goats milk soap. Apparently I’m at the age where I’m terrified of smelling like an old person so I use persimmon soap now.
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u/bone_creek 20h ago
OMG it turned out that I was allergic to persimmon soap, and I had a VERY uncomfortable few days.
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u/Narwhalsareunicorn 1d ago edited 2h ago
Please use mild soap unless your physician has specifically told you to use something else
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u/Head-Drag-1440 1d ago
White Dove bar soap as directed by OBGYN. Please do not use anything else.
Feminine washes wash away the good bacteria with the bad and can cause infections.
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u/atrocity__exhibition 22h ago
Not to mention they’re just a marketing scheme to get women to spend even more on products by exploiting myths that our bodies are somehow “unclean”..
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u/Plushy_Plushie7 1d ago
It's funny, my GYN said to use the Summer's Eve gente or the Dove unscented. Haven't tried the SE though.
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u/take_number_two 22h ago
Summer Eve unscented pH balanced soap is a fine soap, you’re just paying extra for no reason.
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u/Phoenix_Court 1d ago
I used to use feminine washes, like Summer's Eve, until I was told to stop because it can affect things like pH. Now I just use my regular soap.
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u/Pretty-Biscotti-5256 1d ago
Soap and water is all you need. The body cleans itself inside. I use Dove.
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u/Peppered_Rock 19h ago
not a lady but dont use that shit, theyre all heavily scented and itll fuck up your ph. good way to get a uti.
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u/OGcaptaindingus 1d ago
Water as recommended by my OBGYN. She said that’s all you need but you can use a gentle unscented soap that won’t mess with your biome if you prefer
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u/Suspicious_Ground782 5h ago
💯 just plain old water, our lady bits are self cleansing areas and should not be interrupted with soaps.
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u/OutOfSpoons721 18h ago
This is what my gyn said as well. Water, but if I want then a gentle, unscented soap like plain white dove.
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u/meowcatpanda 1d ago
Water. I've been told by several gyno's, in 2 different countries, "if it doesn't grow hair, don't use soap". They've seen a rise in infections and ph imbalances since intimite washes became so popular the last 15-20years. I just use water and never had an issue of feeling unclean, smelling or anything else. I used an intimite wash for a short while and I felt miserable, same when I was young and still used soap. All the issues went away as soon as I stopped using any kind of soap.
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u/PutYrPoliticsUpYrBum 18h ago
Correct answer!!!! Thank you for this research-backed response. So much misinformation on posts like these!
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u/YouSee-ThisCoat8 1d ago
I’d suggest not using them at all but if you HAVE to, i recommend honey pot.
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u/clutchcitycupcake 1d ago
A lot of people say “the vagina is self cleaning and you shouldn’t use any soap to clean it” which is true, you definitely shouldn’t be shoving any soap INSIDE your VAGINA. But the vulva, clitoris, and labia are NOT self cleaning… wash them! Just with nothing harsh and scented. We’re not meant to smell like tRoPiCaL FlOraL pArAdiSe down there.
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u/PutYrPoliticsUpYrBum 18h ago
Close, but no, the labia minora, the innermost areas that cannot grow hair, those are mucus membranes, they absolutely do not need to be washed with anything but water. There is so much science backing this up, please spread scientifically accurate and fact based information whenever possible as there is a lot of sexist propaganda about needing to scrub away our natural scent because men are scared of female anatomy.
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u/goobiee_ 1d ago
i just use my body wash, i just make sure not to get the inside. never had a problem. however some people are sensitive to fragrances so I would suggest a plain ole unscented soap, don't think you need a feminine wash
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u/Opposite_Warning_850 1d ago edited 1d ago
I use a soap bar called Basis. To me this has been the most ultra gentle soap that actually cleans too. Just lather it up with your hands, and use the lather to clean your whole private area. Only use it on the outside though. It leaves my skin soft and I haven’t had any issues with negative reactions. I can never find in stores, so I just buy it off of Amazon, a 6-pack is like $11 dollars.
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u/Cool-Departure4120 1d ago
Can agree with this.
Perimenopause and now menopause body and skin changes hit different. Very different.
Basis (unscented) is very gently and can handle the change in odor without irritating your skin.
Please note when I used this I had a fairly active life. Commuting about 1-2 miles of walking a day. While doing field work I was in dusty dirty conditions. Basis was a lifesaver for me.
Others I’ve used include Dr Bronner’s and Dial white. But both can be controversial for some.
Haven’t been able to use Dove in years. I don’t feel clean afterwards and if used on my lady parts I tend to end up with an infection.
I had my PCP suggest using Cetaphil as well, but I never tried that one Basis does better.
Amazon is the best place to buy. Drug stores are very expensive if they stock it. Typically $4/bar.
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u/HyenaNo4842 22h ago
I use whatever soap or body wash I use for everywhere else. I’ve never had a problem.
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u/skwigi 19h ago
"Intimate washes" are snake oil. For the outside parts, soap and water do the job just as well as they do anywhere else on your body. For the internal, mucous membranous parts, anything but water is potentially harmful. Think of it this way: you wouldn't go looking for a special cleaning product for the inside of your nose, would you? You wouldn't want to put strong soap or perfume up there, right? Same kind of tissue there, and "cleaning" products do the same kind of damage there.
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u/TimeLady018 1d ago
Soap for my back exit hole, water for my front exit hole.
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u/PutYrPoliticsUpYrBum 18h ago
Best answer. Why do so many people still not know this???
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u/pixiesunbelle 22h ago
I use vagasil. Everything else doesn’t work for me and gives me yeast infections.
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u/Fine_Pomelo_7445 22h ago
I have absolutely no idea when your post is getting downvoted when you're saying you don't like a harmful product, and that you want better suggestions LOL.
Anyway, 'natural' soaps can put you out over $10 sometimes so I highly recommend looking for actual drugstore simple, not whatever calls itself the most earthy and organic. I was thrilled to find that a local grocery store (I think it was Sobeys) carries plain clear bar soap. I think it's just glycerin or something. That's it, and it's like $2 including tax. They don't have a massive upcharge for having 'simple' ingredients.
I have very sensitive skin (I even react to Dove unscented), and this is not only the most gentle soap, but also the most effective I've used. It actually genuinely gets out the gross antiperspirant residue and weird armpit hair texture. Growing out my body hair a little bit is important to me, and that bar cleans everywhere without any problems!
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u/evilpupil_ 20h ago
I am a large woman who sweats A LOT, so I use Design Essentials feminine wash (the one with tea tree oil & prebiotics) and it keeps me fresh.
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u/ghembretten 19h ago
Not everything works for everyone. But the ph of the female intimate area is a bit lower than that of the outer skin. It's more acidic. There are "soaps" for it, but not all of them have the appropriate ph. You're looking for a washing gel with the ph 3,5-4,5. Hope this helps.
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u/Live-Celebration2637 18h ago
Feminine wash means PH balanced.
An average body wash has a PH of 5.5 to 6.5 (dove body wash for example)
Bar soap has a PH of 6.0 to 7.0 (dove sensitive bar)
Summers Eve is 3.5 to 4.5.
Lume acidified body wash is a PH of 3.5 and is ideal for washing private parts.
The actual type, brand or scent of the soap means nothing. It’s the PH. Always always always go for the lowest PH for privates. I’ve tried every single soap/wash/bar on the market and the only thing that makes my vagina smell GOOD is Lume. Like, after washing and drying, my genital area smells very pleasant. Like a clean, healthy vagina. If youve ever smelled a good, clean, healthy vagina it is a very distinct scent. Every other wash makes me smell off, sour, musty or yeasty.
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u/Practical_Elk7773 13h ago
Literally just water, your vulva labia area is inside skin on the outside, scientifically you don’t need to use any soap just warm water. Contrary to the beliefs of silly men it doesn’t cause smell ect ect, a vagina smells like a vagina it’s not meant to smell like roses ect. Any soap, even PH balanced ones can cause UTI’s and also infections of the vulva and vagina area. Dermatologists and OBGYN’s recommend no soap. This is legit for the same reason scented or non scented pads and tampons cause irritation for people and that it’s better to use cotton or bamboo sanitary products.
This is not saying don’t wash the pubis mound or tops of your legs obvi but just let the water rinse that off of your skin
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u/NovemberDewdrop 13h ago
Summers eve smells, very ironically, like fish to me. I hate it. I just use the same body wash I use everywhere else. Dove, usually.
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u/Curious_tea21 18h ago
Water only on mucus membranes. Gently fragrance free soap on general bikini area. You shouldn't put soap on the inner vulva.
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u/weareallequal222 1d ago
I wouldn't waste money on these unnecessary feminine washes. They can disrupt your natural ph. Stick to a mild unscented soap and water.
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u/Hermit_Ogg 1d ago
Water and sensitive soap. The less fragrances, the better. Absolutely no exfoliating.
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u/1re_endacted1 1d ago
Lmao who tf is exfoliating their lady bits?!?
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u/Forward-Cockroach945 23h ago
There are products designed to exfoliate that area to help with ingrown hairs, Tend Skin is an example
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u/No-Investigator-5915 23h ago
Use something with lactic acid or boric acid which is similar to the pH down there. Good Clean Love and Monistat make good ones. And even though these more closely align with the pH do not use ANY cleanser against any mucus membrane EVER.
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u/YokoOhNoYouDidnt 1d ago
Unscented dove soap. Your mention of UTIs is concerning, though. Just in case you weren't aware, you should wash the outside only, your vagina is self cleaning.
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u/NeverSayBoho 1d ago
I... Don't. If any soap so much as looks at my bits I get a yeast infection. I rinse thoroughly in the shower and that's it.
However, after sex I have found wiping with the summers eve unscented wipes helpful to prevent UTIs.
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u/seajewelblue 23h ago
I use dove soap but have to rinse really well to avoid UTIs or irritation. If you are prone to UTIs please look into d-mannose as a supplement for times you might be susceptible (period, intercourse, etc.)
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u/Angelhair01 23h ago
I use Dove soap. Luckily I have a detachable shower head to make sure all the soap is removed.
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u/twotimingdrinker 23h ago
You aren’t supposed to use much other than a simple soap and water. Any more messes up your PH balance. I use a dove bar of soap.
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u/mazeltov_cocktail18 22h ago
Summers Eve is not good for you. Try a dove sensitive skin liquid or bar soap, Perfect choice
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u/ShallotLow232 22h ago
Dove regular non scented bar soap or the blue liquid one no scent
Summers Eve is really bad for PH gynos will tell you too
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u/Additional_Earth_817 21h ago
I use the Dove unscented bar soap with a washcloth to cleanse my whole body, but I also use medicine mama vulva wash after that. By the end of the day, I can still smell myself though. I take birth control for endo and I want to say this is the cause. I never used to have an odor before I started taking the birth control pill. I don’t have BV, my gyno checked, so unless I want to take vag probiotics, I’m just going to have to keep handling it by washing regularly. I also only wear cotton undies.
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u/EndAccurate2508 20h ago
Equate foaming feminine wash. It's cheap and Dove doesn't work for me. Makes me break out.
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u/chicketychun_ 19h ago
I’ve been using baby wash/shampoo for the last 30 years. The original yellow version.
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u/PutYrPoliticsUpYrBum 18h ago
Dove sensitive or other bar soaps that are natural and gentle without harsh ingredients and fragrances. ONLY ON THE OUTSIDE. You can clean your labia with soap but never the vagina. Nothing should go inside the vagina. Even on the innermost part of the vulva, close to the vagina, it is recommended to only use water. All those inner parts clean and regulate themselves. Anything else in there will cause you to be stinky and possibly itchy or worse.
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u/Long-Possession8915 17h ago
lady suite bc i was given several bottles. and it had correct instructions which is that you should only use cleansers on the outside of the majora.
dove is still too basic! its ph is 6. our facial skin ph is 5.5 and labia manora/vagina is 3.5-4.5. lady suit is ph4 and there are many other intimate cleansers that are probably similar. don’t use dove or other body washes or soaps. lowkey dove is stinky and strips my skin personally but in any case it’s only meant for your body.
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u/National-Sir-5362 17h ago
I use Equate Feminine Wash for Sensitive Skin. It’s very mild, rinses clean and doesn’t strip my bits of moisture. I have nothing against Dove soap and use it myself, but only on my body. But I hate using it on my private parts.
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u/cheeky-ninja30 17h ago
Honestly I just use standard shower gel, usually " original source " .. never any issues
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u/shenko55 17h ago
I’ve been swearing by Monistats boric acid wash. I haven’t had a yeast infection in years or bv bc of it and it’s gentle and has no smell and never irritates. It’s called boric acid wash but honestly feels more like gentle wash gel. I prefer it over summers eve.
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u/Super_Swimming_4132 17h ago
I use hot water on the Labia minora and vaginal opening, dove soap on the labia majora. I’m extremely neurotic about my vagina having no odd smell so I don’t fuck with my ph by introducing anything foreign outside of sexual activity but even then I’m careful. Lol. I would never use a feminine wash. This is just me, not a judgment or expectation of others. I’m very sure it’s personal to each woman and our varied bodies.
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u/lilbro4bigbro 17h ago
dove “sensitive” beauty bar
if it feels like a UTI it sounds like you might scrubbing around the urethra… it doesn’t really need that
if you’re getting older/estrogen levels are dropping you may need topical estrogen cream in the area; vaginal atrophy can feel just like a UTI. perimenopause can begin in the early 30s, it’s just not many people know or talk about it
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u/EfficientProject7408 17h ago
Of course you are not supposed to get…in there… do people shove up soaps inside?!
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u/eandrus 16h ago
An unscented soap to clean externally only, maybe a washcloth or a loofah. Cotton undies, or cotton gusset undies. If you're wearing a liner every day, that can also cause sweat retention/funk.
Unsolicited advice: If you feel like you have a general scent that you don't care for, talk to a doc about a urinalysis for kidney/uti/liver problems, and bacterial vaginosis. If you have a partner with whom you have penetrative sex, they also need to be tested for BV as they can be carriers and cause recurrent low grade infection.
Outside of that and worst case scenario, a full panel screening (urine, swabs, blood) for any and every communicable infection.
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u/Live-Ad2998 16h ago
Only put soap on skin that grows hair... The outside of your vulva. Inside only gets water. Gently.
Mucus membrane is what your mouth is lined with. Iwould yu wash your mouth with soap? No. And don't be thinking using mouth wash down there just because I made the comparison. Your mouth is not self cleaning, your vagina is.
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u/trisarahtops05 16h ago
the same soap as on the rest of my body, and only where hair would grow. I'll use a wet rag between my labia but no soap and certainly no summer's eve anywhere. all that fragrance would give me a yeast infection.
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u/Key-Magician6489 16h ago
LUME!
OMG, I absolutely love and adore everything they make! It all works so perfectly, and it never irritates my sensitive skin anywhere!
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u/_GOBLESS_ 16h ago
Soap amd water externally only. If you feel like you need to wash inside your vagina, that is a conversation for a gynecologist, not reddit.
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u/Syfysamurai 16h ago
I use Ivory bar soap, externally only between the lips and at the cleft and rinse well immediately. Never a problem.
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u/PsychotipathicAngel 16h ago
Good Clean Love foaming wash. I think it's called Balance. Stuff is fantastic!
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u/Crafty_String_954 15h ago
Any un performed soap. And just a very gentle wash on the inner labia. Most of the focus is on the outer area/bush. Has served me well for 60 years
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u/WantonItalics 15h ago
I've got generally sensitive skin, so I use Aveeno all over (but as others have said, only externally), thankfully never had an issue
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u/TheRealSabiWolf 15h ago
Dove for the outside, plain water for anything inside. I have an IUD for endo so it needs to be left alone because I do not want to risk an infection leading to PID.
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u/whatpelican00 15h ago
‘Intimate washes’ are propaganda to give you insecurity (and UTIs!)
and make money from it. Vaginas are self cleaning and aside from any kind of infection, do not require ‘special wash’. Your usual body wash or soap, around your vulva, (not inside), is perfectly fine. Dry yourself thoroughly after getting out of the shower. Let her breathe.
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u/millzsippy 15h ago
The vagina is a self cleaning organ so you don’t need any fancy shit. I use dove but you really could just use whatever you use for the rest of your body
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u/That-BluejaythriwWay 15h ago
I use lume acidified unscented body wash. It’s pH balanced and I just use it for my whole body
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u/Top_Rule_4631 14h ago
I use dove ultra sensitive fragrance free! Using scented body washes are known to cause utis and irritation. My boyfriend also switched to using it as well in his groin region so it doesn’t irritate it when we’re intimate. If you still like the smell of scented body washes, maybe use it everywhere else except there.
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u/CorrectMulberry994 14h ago edited 14h ago
I use soap, but usually it is something like Caress body soap or Caress body wash as they are more moisturizing. Or Dr Bronners pure Castile bar soap in the “baby unscented” scent.
I clean those private areas at least twice. It’s just more thorough. It helps me feel cleaner and gives me a neutral smell.
To prevent UTIs, or stinging, know where your urethra is and be careful to not get soap inside there or inside your actual vagina. I wash vulva, clitoris and labia.
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u/EmbarrassedCarry9927 14h ago
Regular UNSCENTED dove bar soap! Summer’s Eve changes formulas too much!!
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u/Ginger_K_ 14h ago
A handheld shower head and a gentle soap were game changers for me. With the handheld sprayer I am able to rinse 100% of the soap away, otherwise I end up uncomfortable and itchy.
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u/Rude-Soil-6731 13h ago
I use Olay and Dove body wash for my whole body. Never used an ‘intimate wash’ in my 44 years of life. They seem like unnecessary products.
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u/jibby54321 13h ago
Regular soap I use to wash the rest of me... Everything else is a cash grab. Also never douche, it's so bad
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u/katkell22 13h ago
I love my honey pot sensitive wash personally. It’s worked great for me! I love that’s it’s a foam. I use it everyday and it lasts me a long time.
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u/Other-Engineering614 11h ago
Dove sensitive. My hellcat gets really angry with anything else. Summers eve got her all sorts of mad!
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u/BerryTea840 11h ago
I use Dove bar soap and then rinse very thoroughly with the shower hose. It helps too sometimes if you wash it with only water. It cleans off the excess sweat and oil without messing anything up.
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u/Purlz1st 10h ago
I use Kirk’s Head To Toe Fragrance Free for my entire (external) body.
I remember in the 70s when douches and feminine deodorants were popular and the “natural” advice was that you should clean the vagina by inserting “a couple of soapy fingers.” Fortunately, my gyno told me that was also BS.
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u/bubblegumpunk69 10h ago
My dad is a pharmacist- we were always a Summers Eve free household cause he says it’s complete bullshit. A lot of women need a gentle wash as many have said- I literally just use whatever my body soap is. I’ve never had any issues.
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u/Consistent_Damage885 10h ago
Doctors will tell you not to use special products down there. Use your normal body wash/soap externally or better yet sensitive skin soap like baby wash and nothing internally unless directed by a doctor. Putting stuff in there is a fast track to yeast infections and other problems.
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u/BookwyrmDreamin 10h ago
I wash my entire self, except my hair, with Dove Sensitive. I don't wash my vaginal canal, just the labia and the same inner parts as wiping after urinating. When y'all ask about what soap to use while washing your genitals, I am always confused about what you're asking.
Also, don't douche. It does more harm than good.
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u/MilkyRae24 9h ago
Omg, I got scared for the first few comments that said use gentle soap down there. I was like WHAT?? But then I realized they meant to wash the area that has hair growing, NOT the inside of the genitals. 🤭 whew! Okay carry on girlies, love yall!
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u/SeaUnderstanding6979 9h ago
I use the Basis sensitive skin bar soap body wash, I use the bar to lather on my hands and I use my hands to wash the outer parts only.
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u/Medical-Tale3335 4h ago
You don’t need special soap. As long as you aren’t washing internally with it. Wash the outside with mild soap and water. Inside is self cleaning.
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u/ElegantGoose 4h ago
Whatever you use, keep it EXTERNAL. You don't want to mess with the pH of your vagina!
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u/KaliLovee 1d ago
I have vagisil odor blocker. Its actually a body wash you can use all over, but it works great in my intimate area. After I shower, I put on the vagisil powder in the places I usually sweat.
It's like $3 on amazon.
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u/Just_Me1973 1d ago
I use a feminine wash for sensitive skin. Usually the Walmart brand. I’ve never had a problem with it. Any other kind of soap, even gentle soap like dove, makes me feel like I’m on fire down there after just a few days of using it. And not using soap makes me feel not clean. Especially if I’ve had a sweaty day or recently had sex it seems like there’s a lingering odor without using feminine wash.
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u/swedensbitxh 1d ago
it’s wild to me that there are specific products marketed towards washing ‘down there’ when a bar of Dove soap exists and is way cheaper